There is great strength in a family that loves to travel together and enjoy the memories created. During the year of 2008, our extended family had many wonderful memories and will always be remembered for the time that we spent together. We have enjoyed participating in different activities with our children and grandchildren and those activities have created memories which should linger in our hearts and minds for years to come.

Cheryl and I had contemplated of going to New York to visit the sites of the early events, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was prompted by the lessons in our Priesthood and Relief Society instruction, on the Prophet Joseph Smith.

When we announced to our children that we were planning a trip to upper New York, they all immediately responded tht they wanted to go. Of course, they said that as long as we are traveling to the state of New York, we should visit the exciting cities of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New York. We certainly should see the famous sites and taste the delicious food at the famous places to eat.

It was a grand experience to arrive in New York City on July 4th, in time to see the many exhibits and booths near the pier on the Hudson River. Later that evening, we watched the many beautiful displays of fireworks, with the Statue of Liberty in the background. It truly helped us to appreciate the wonderful freedoms we enjoy and the blessing it is to live in America.